Farrelly Brothers Confirm "Three Stooges," Dodge Casting Rumors

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On the press tour for their new comedy, "Hall Pass," the Farrelly Brothers announced their long-awaited passion project, "The Three Stooges"—which they explain isn't a biopic but more like three episodes of the classic slapstick act strung together—has finally been greenlit.

When Popcorn Biz sat down with the brothers, Bobby Farrelly was thrilled to confirm, "We have a start date! We do. We're starting in the middle of April. We have the script ready, we have everything ready to go. The only thing we have to plug in is the cast."

Rampant casting rumors have swirled around the project for the past fifteen years as the film lingering in development hell, with one Stooge trio rumored to be Sean Penn, Jim Carrey and Benicio del Toro, and recent whispers attaching "SNL" star Andy Samberg and "Jackass'" Johnny Knoxville.

Asked if they could reveal any names, the directing duo assured us they'd give us a name if they had one, but they were still on the hunt for the right amalgam of talent.

"We've been looking all over the world for the right people," Bobby revealed. "We've been looking at the best actors around and total unknowns. We haven't cast it yet but we're getting very close."

When we put in a personal plea for the inclusion of Golden Globe-winner Paul Giamatti, once rumored to be stepping into the role of Larry, Peter grinned. "We love Giamatti! We're looking at pretty much everybody but [Paul is]--" and he stopped himself, glanced at his brother before offered, "Obviously unbelievably good."